Today’s featured song goes back to my very favorite group, which is the Beatles. Across the Universe is a song written by my very favorite Beatle, John Lennon. This song is one of my very favorite Beatle songs.

You can read the interesting history of this song in this blog. Even though John does not think there was ever a proper recording of the song, I think it is one of the best songs they ever did. I love the lyrics. The poetry is absolutely fantastic. The image of space is really cool. Even though it has been chalked up to some as being a result of John’s use of acid at the time, I say so be it. That is what was the time and I do not think it is an accident that some of the best music ever created came from this time period.

This was one of the songs (along with Strawberry Fields Forever) that made me fall in love with the Beatles and their sound. When you hear a song like this, you can tell it is a Joh Lennon song and not a Paul McCartney song. They possessed two very different styles, but when brought together, they created magic. In my opinion, they are the best music tandem in the history of music. They really did change everything.

I hope you take the time to listen to this song and really take in the lyrics. If you really listen, the song will take you on your own trip. It is a song that really transformed time. I hope you enjoy!

Official video of the song. This is the alternate version that was found on the Anthogy 2 album in 1996. This video was made for that song at that time.

This is the official version that was released by the Beatles on the Let it Be album, their last album.

This is the version that was shot out in deep space. Imagine being an alien and getting a listen to this!

Rufus, Moby, and Sean Lennon singing a cover of this song. Sean Lennon is John’s son.

One night in 1967, the phrase “words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup” came to Lennon after hearing his ex-wife Cynthia, according to Lennon, “going on and on about something.” Later, after “she’d gone to sleep—and I kept hearing these words over and over, flowing like an endless stream,” Lennon went downstairs and turned it into a song. He began to write the rest of the lyrics and when he was done, he went to bed and forgot about them.

“

I was lying next to my first wife in bed, you know, and I was irritated. and I was thinking. She must have been going on and on about something and she’d gone to sleep and I kept hearing these words over and over, flowing like an endless stream. I went downstairs and it turned into a sort of cosmic song rather than an irritated song, rather than a “Why are you always mouthing off at me?”… [The words] were purely inspirational and were given to me as boom!. I don’t own it you know; it came through like that.

”

The flavour of the song was heavily influenced by Lennon’s and the Beatles’ interest in Transcendental Meditation in late 1967 – early 1968, when the song was composed. Based on this he added the mantra “Jai gurudevaom” (Sanskrit: जय गुरुदेव ॐ) to the piece, which became the link to the chorus. The Sanskrit phrase is a sentence fragment whose words could have many meanings. Literally it approximates as “glory to the shining remover of darkness,” and can be paraphrased as “Victory to God divine”, “Hail to the divine guru”, or the phrase commonly invoked by the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in referring to his spiritual teacher “All Glory to Guru Dev.”

The song’s lyrical structure is straightforward: three repetitions of a unit consisting of a verse, the line “Jai guru deva om” and the line “Nothing’s gonna change my world” repeated four times. The lyrics are highly image-based, with abstract concepts reified with phrases like thoughts “meandering”, words “slithering”, and undying love “shining”. The title phrase “across the universe” appears at intervals to finish lines, although it never cadences, always appearing as a rising figure, melodically unresolved. It finishes on the leading note; to the Western musical ear, the next musical note would be the tonic and would therefore sound complete.

In his 1970 interview with Rolling Stone, Lennon referred to the song as perhaps the best, most poetic lyric he ever wrote: “It’s one of the best lyrics I’ve written. In fact, it could be the best. It’s good poetry, or whatever you call it, without chewin’ it. See, the ones I like are the ones that stand as words, without melody. They don’t have to have any melody, like a poem, you can read them.”

The song is in the key of D and the verse beginning “Words are flowing out” (I (D) chord) is notable for a prolonged vi (Bm)- iii (F#m) to ii7 (Em7) minor drop to the dominant chord V7 (A7) on “across the universe” in the 4th bar. On the repeat of this chord sequence a beautiful turn following the ii7 (Em7) through a iv minor (Gm) brings the verse to a close before moving on directly to the tonic on the “Jai Guru Deva Om” refrain. The vi-ii minor drop leading to V had been used earlier in “I Will” (on “how long I’ve loved you”) and George Harrison utilised a shorter vi-iii minor alternation to delay getting back to the dominant (V) in “I Need You“. The verse beginning “Words are flowing out like endless rain…” is also notable for the suitably breathless phrasing and almost constant 8th note rhythm (initially four D melody notes, then C#, B, A, B)

In February 1968, the Beatles convened at the EMI Abbey Road studios to record a single for release during their absence on their forthcoming trip to India. Paul McCartney had written “Lady Madonna” and Lennon, “Across the Universe”. Both tracks were recorded along with Lennon’s “Hey Bulldog” and the vocal track for George’s “The Inner Light” between the 3 and 11 of February.

The basic track was successfully recorded on 4 February. Along with the basic rhythm track of acoustic guitar, percussion and tambura, it featured an overdubbed sitar introduction by George Harrison. Two teenaged fans, Lizzie Bravo and Gayleen Pease, were invited in off the street to provide backup vocals.

Lennon still wasn’t satisfied with the feel of the track and several sound effects were taped, including 15 seconds of humming and a guitar and a harp-like sound, both to be played backwards; however, none of these were used on the released version. The track was mixed to mono and put aside as the group had decided to release “Lady Madonna” and “The Inner Light” as the single. On their return from India, the group set about recording the many songs they had written there, and “Across the Universe” remained on the shelf. In the autumn of 1968, the Beatles seriously considered releasing an EP including most of the songs for the Yellow Submarine album and “Across the Universe”, and went as far as having the EP mastered.

During the February 1968 recording sessions, Spike Milligan dropped into the studio and, on hearing the song, suggested the track would be ideal for release on a charity album he was organising for the World Wildlife Fund. At some point in 1968, the Beatles agreed to this proposal. In January 1969, the best mono mix was remixed for the charity album. In keeping with the “wildlife” theme of the album, sound effects of birds were added to the beginning and end. The original (mono) mix from February 1968 is 3:37 minutes in length. After the effects were added, the track was sped up so that even with 20 seconds of effects, it is only 3:49. Speeding up the recording also raised the key to E-flat. By October 1969, it was decided that the song needed to be remixed into stereo. This was done by Geoff Emerick immediately prior to the banding of the album. “Across the Universe” was first released in this version on the Regal Starline SRS 5013 album, No One’s Gonna Change Our World, in December 1969.

This version was issued on three Beatle compilation albums, the British version of Rarities, the different American version of Rarities and the second disc of the two-CD Past Masters album.

The Beatles took the song up again during the Get Back/Let It Be rehearsal sessions of January 1969; footage of Lennon playing the song appeared in the Let It Be movie. Bootleg recordings from the sessions include numerous full group performances of the song, usually with Lennon–McCartney harmonies on the chorus. To ensure the album tied in with the film it was decided the song must be included on what by January 1970 had become the Let It Be album. Also, Lennon’s contributions to the sessions were sparse, and this unreleased piece was seen as a way to fill the gap.

Although the song was extensively rehearsed on the Twickenham Studios soundstage the only recordings were mono transcriptions for use in the film soundtrack. No multitrack recordings were made after the group’s move to Apple Studios. Thus in early January 1970 Glyn Johns remixed the February 1968 recording. The new mix omitted the teenaged girls’ vocals and the bird sound effects of the World Wildlife Fund version. As neither of the Glyn Johns Get Back albums were officially released, the version most people are familiar with came from Phil Spector, who in late March and early April 1970 remixed the February 1968 recording yet again and added orchestral and choral overdubs. Spector also slowed the track to 3:47, close to its original speed. According to Lennon, “Spector took the tape and did a damn good job with it.”

A previously-unreleased February 1968 alternate take of the song (recorded before the master), without heavy production, appeared on Anthology 2 in 1996. This is often referred to as the “psychedelic” recording because of the strong Indian sitar and tambura sound, and illustrates the band’s original uncertainty over the best treatment for the song.

The February 1968 master was remixed again for inclusion on Let It Be… Naked in 2003, at the correct speed but stripped of most of the instrumentation, and digitally processed to correct tuning issues.

Music critic Richie Unterberger of Allmusic said the song was “one of the group’s most delicate and cosmic ballads,” and “was one of the highlights of the Let It Be album.” Music critic Ian MacDonald was critical of the song, calling it a “plaintively babyish incantation” and saying “its vague pretensions and listless melody are rather too obviously the products of acid grandiosity rendered gentle by sheer exhaustion.”

Lennon himself was unhappy with the song as it was recorded. In his 1980 Playboy interview Lennon says that the Beatles “didn’t make a good record of it” and says of the Let It Be version that “the guitars are out of tune and I’m singing out of tune…and nobody’s supporting me or helping me with it and the song was never done properly.” He further accused McCartney of unintentionally ruining the song:

“

Paul would…sort of subconsciously try and destroy a great song….usually we’d spend hours doing little detailed cleaning-ups of Paul’s songs; when it came to mine…somehow this atmosphere of looseness and casualness and experimentation would creep in. Subconscious sabotage.

On 3 July 2010 Placebo singer Brian Molko performed this song with a full orchestra in Brussels to celebrate the Belgium Presidency of European Union British band Beady Eye covered the track in 2011 for the British Red Cross Japanese Tsunami Appeal. All profits from the track were donated to the appeal. During their 1981/1982 Time Tour, Electric Light Orchestra covered “Across the Universe” together with “Imagine” and “A Day in the Life” as part of their tribute to John Lennon. Band leader Jeff Lynne had gained most of his inspiration to make Electric Light Orchestra from the works of Lennon both with The Beatles and his solo career.

Across the Universe

by John Lennon

Words are flowing out like
Endless rain into a paper cup
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe.
Pools of sorrow waves of joy
Are drifting through my opened mind
Possessing and caressing me.

Images of broken light, which
Dance before me like a million eyes,
They call me on and on across the universe.
Thoughts meander like a
Restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe.

Sounds of laughter, shades of life
Are ringing through my opened ears
Inciting and inviting me.
Limitless undying love, which
Shines around me like a million suns,
It calls me on and on across the universe

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Most of the people who visit this blog already know me so it is kind of pointless to try to describe my life in this short little blurb.
What is the purpose of this blog is the question. Over the course of this last year I have been exposed to some amazing people and have made personal development an important focus of my life. Being successful, not by the world's standards, but by God's has become my main focus. Mainly, I want to work to develop myself as a person who is kinder, reaches out to help those in need, and truly makes a difference in this world.
To this end I am constantly reading and am exposed to so many differnet things along the way. These have been amazing and it is helping me grow so much. Then I started to think, "Why am I being so selfish?" You need to share with others these amazing things you are learning and being exposed to. That is where this blog comes into play. As I am reading and experiencing things that are truly amazing and life changing, I will be posting them on this blog. Obviously, I will not be able to post everything in it's entirity, but I will be summarizing them and letting you know the source of the article or book they come from so you can check them out later if you wish. I want this blog to be a place where you can go to often and be inspired and leave here with a smile on your face.
I will be covering all kinds of different topics dealing with success and personal development. Topics like taking action, relationships, living to your potential, reinventing yourself, finances, leadership, presenting, goal setting, time management, etc. I will also be occasionally including topics on cooking, music, and gardening because they are special interests of mine.
As a little disclaimer, I have given my life to the Lord and he is #1 in my life. I am his servant and everything I do in life is for his glory. With that being said, religion influences all areas of my life. There will be references to God in this blog because I can't seperate God from this or any other area of my life. I want you to know that if you do not believe in God, that is fine. That is your choice. This blog is open to anyone who wants to better their life. I will not be trying to influence or pressure anyone into having a relationship with the Lord from this site. Please don't feel uncomfortable. You can just read the portions of the blog that you wish to.
I am inviting you to go on a journey with me. We will learn together to be the kind of people we were designed to be. Anyone can make a difference in this world, but it starts%

WordPress.com wmarsau posted: ” Today’s featured song goes back to my very favorite group, which is the Beatles. Across the Universe is a song written by my very favorite Beatle, John Lennon. This song is one of my very favorite Beatle songs. You can read the interesting histo” Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on wmarsau Across the Universeby wmarsau Today’s featured song goes back to my very favorite group, which is the Beatles. Across the Universe is a song written by my very favorite Beatle, John Lennon. This song is one of my very favorite Beatle songs. You can read the interesting history of this song in this blog. Even though John does not think there was ever a proper recording of the song, I think it is one of the best songs they ever did. I love the lyrics. The poetry is absolutely fantastic. The image of space is really cool. Even though it has been chalked up to some as being a result of John’s use of acid at the time, I say so be it. That is what was the time and I do not think it is an accident that some of the best music ever created came from this time period. This was one of the songs (along with Strawberry Fields Forever) that made me fall in love with the Beatles and their sound. When you hear a song like this, you can tell it is a Joh Lennon song and not a Paul McCartney song. They possessed two very different styles, but when brought together, they created magic. In my opinion, they are the best music tandem in the history of music. They really did change everything. I hope you take the time to listen to this song and really take in the lyrics. If you really listen, the song will take you on your own trip. It is a song that really transformed time. I hope you enjoy! Official video of the song. This is the alternate version that was found on the Anthogy 2 album in 1996. This video was made for that song at that time. This is the official version that was released by the Beatles on the Let it Be album, their last album. This is the version that was shot out in deep space. Imagine being an alien and getting a listen to this! Rufus, Moby, and Sean Lennon singing a cover of this song. Sean Lennon is John’s son. David Bowie doing a version of the song. Fiona Apple doing a version of the song. Great cover of the song. “Across the Universe” is a song recorded by the Beatles. It was written by John Lennon, and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The song first appeared on the various artists charity compilation album No One’s Gonna Change Our World in December 1969, and later, in different form, on Let It Be, the group’s final released album. One night in 1967, the phrase “words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup” came to Lennon after hearing his ex-wife Cynthia, according to Lennon, “going on and on about something.” Later, after “she’d gone to sleep—and I kept hearing these words over and over, flowing like an endless stream,” Lennon went downstairs and turned it into a song. He began to write the rest of the lyrics and when he was done, he went to bed and forgot about them. “ I was lying next to my first wife in bed, you know, and I was irritated. and I was thinking. She must have been going on and on about something and she’d gone to sleep and I kept hearing these words over and over, flowing like an endless stream. I went downstairs and it turned into a sort of cosmic song rather than an irritated song, rather than a “Why are you always mouthing off at me?”… [The words] were purely inspirational and were given to me as boom!. I don’t own it you know; it came through like that. ” The flavour of the song was heavily influenced by Lennon’s and the Beatles’ interest in Transcendental Meditation in late 1967 – early 1968, when the song was composed. Based on this he added the mantra “Jai guru deva om” (Sanskrit: जय गुरुदेव ॐ) to the piece, which became the link to the chorus. The Sanskrit phrase is a sentence fragment whose words could have many meanings. Literally it approximates as “glory to the shining remover of darkness,” and can be paraphrased as “Victory to God divine”, “Hail to the divine guru”, or the phrase commonly invoked by the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in referring to his spiritual teacher “All Glory to Guru Dev.” The song’s lyrical structure is straightforward: three repetitions of a unit consisting of a verse, the line “Jai guru deva om” and the line “Nothing’s gonna change my world” repeated four times. The lyrics are highly image-based, with abstract concepts reified with phrases like thoughts “meandering”, words “slithering”, and undying love “shining”. The title phrase “across the universe” appears at intervals to finish lines, although it never cadences, always appearing as a rising figure, melodically unresolved. It finishes on the leading note; to the Western musical ear, the next musical note would be the tonic and would therefore sound complete.